Union Zindabad! — South Asian Canadian Labour History in British Columbia

vote and citizenship was
extended to them. Again it
was the same year that we
had the great strike of the
entire industry for about
forty days for some very
basic demands.” 8
“There was not one man
anywhere who crossed
the picket line. And later
on, after two or three days,
picket lines were not just
needed. Even though we
did maintain them, they
were not required to keep
anybody out.”
“Earlier I had said that
in ’42 and ’43 they were
hesitant. Sympathies were
there, but they would not dare to join. Then in ’44
and ’45, the upsurge gained more and once they
were convinced that the organization was there
to protect them and it was strong enough, then
they joined up in masses. Not a man would be left
out.” 9
“Add to that, not one East Indian went to cross
picket lines. For the first time, time and a half for
overtime, fifteen days holiday with pay and then
the seniority rights.” 10
8 Perry and Pritchett, 57.
9 Perry and Pritchett, 57.
10 Perry and Pritchett, 57-58.
Members of the BC District Council of the IWA in Vancouver in 1943. Standing at
left: Darshan Singh Sangha.
IWA Archives, Kaatza Station Museum and Archives.
Swayed by Darshan’s Punjabi union pamphlets
and fiery rhetoric, South Asian sawmill workers
who had previously shied from White-run unions
began flocking to the IWA. When the Youbou
Mill manager tried to evict Sangha for talking to
the workforce, 90 South Asian employees gathered
outside in the rain and told the boss that if he
were thrown out, they would leave, too. Sangha
was allowed to stay. At some predominantly South
Chapter 5 • International Woodworkers of America (IWA) | 53